In our “Why I’m Running” series, Boston Marathon athletes share what’s inspiring them to make the 26.2-mile trek from Hopkinton to Boston. Looking for more race day content? Sign up for Boston.com’s pop-up Boston Marathon newsletter.
**Name:** Amanda Lewis
**Age:** 18
**City/State:** Charlotte, North Carolina
Running Boston, to me, is more than just completing a challenging race. At this point in my life, running has taught me many things — including that emotional endurance and physical endurance are built the same way.
Throughout my whole life, I have watched my dad run for the Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge, and now, at 18, I get to run Boston not only with the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute but alongside my dad.
Five years ago, I lost my friend Lily to stage four brain cancer. At the age of 13, grief is a very intense emotion to navigate. However, running became a way to work through these emotions and help me cope with such a tragic loss.
The long runs teach you how to stay in discomfort without panicking. You learn that feelings rise, peak, and pass without needing immediate action. I’ve also learned that you do not need to feel strong to keep going.
Running has become a guidepost in my life and my way of still being connected with my friend.
After my first run ever, I found a new spark that motivated me to pursue a goal — completing the Boston Marathon.
My purpose is to raise money for cancer research and to cross a tangible finish line: Boylston Street in Boston. It has become my life goal to fight for cancer research through running and fundraising. Every run is about defying cancer, slowly, repeatedly, and with trust.
I’m running Boston not for myself but for my friends — the friends I have lost to cancer, the ones who are fighting cancer, and the ones who have defeated cancer.
*Editor’s note: This entry may have been lightly edited for clarity or grammar.*
https://www.boston.com/community/boston-marathon/2026/03/04/amanda-lewis-dana-farber/
